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(Scars do not appear to be cause of death –shock ... - Bad Request

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~~~~~<br />

The Sigilians <strong>of</strong> the Lower Ward were unfriendly enough already, but the<br />

moment I ran around asking for a c<strong>of</strong>fin maker their overall moods soured<br />

even further. I was about <strong>to</strong> see why.<br />

The shop was chill as the grave. A necessity, I supposed if you didn't want <strong>to</strong><br />

<strong>be</strong> overwhelmed by the varnish fumes when there weren't any win<strong>do</strong>ws <strong>to</strong><br />

leave open. Straight, sleek c<strong>of</strong>fins were set up about the shop, and a<br />

selection <strong>of</strong> wooden planks were set along one wall.<br />

Next <strong>to</strong> a counter wsa a rugged looking, square jawed man in the middle <strong>of</strong> a<br />

conversation with a cus<strong>to</strong>mer. The shopkeep turned <strong>to</strong> me with a wide<br />

smile. "How are you, cutter, good day <strong>to</strong> you, good day indeed." He squinted<br />

at me for a second, then thrust his hand out <strong>to</strong> shake mine.<br />

"Greetings," I said as my palm was wrapped in his crushing grip.<br />

"Hamrys at your service, mem<strong>be</strong>r <strong>of</strong> the Harmonium and the fashioner <strong>of</strong><br />

fine c<strong>of</strong>fins for the recently departed. I think I know you, <strong>do</strong> I <strong>not</strong>...? Let me<br />

see if I can place it..." He paused <strong>to</strong> think a moment. "Sharp with names I<br />

was in the Harmonium, let me tell you. Knew everyone on the entire<br />

Ward..."<br />

"Er... you can call me Adahn," I lied, "I have some questions..."<br />

"Ask away." He gave me a broad smile.<br />

"Who's your friend here?" I asked, gesturing at the quiet gentleman across<br />

from us.<br />

He glanced at the cus<strong>to</strong>mer. "Dimtree?" He shrugged, like he hadn't<br />

considered the fellow <strong>be</strong>fore. "Quiet, <strong>do</strong>esn't say much - <strong>do</strong> you, Dimtree?"<br />

Dimtree didn't respond, but simply gave the same blank expression. A few<br />

seconds later, Dimtree nodded. Hamrys shrugged and turned back <strong>to</strong> me.<br />

"Wandered in one day a few weeks back, <strong>be</strong>en a regular ever since. He<br />

hasn't bought anything, but he <strong>do</strong>esn't <strong>cause</strong> any trouble, so I let him stay.<br />

Seems harmless enough. You see, when I was serving the Harmonium, part<br />

<strong>of</strong> our work was <strong>to</strong> take people under our wing, give them a little shelter<br />

from the chaos <strong>of</strong> the streets, get 'em spruced up..."<br />

586

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